No. 23 Kentucky scored six runs in the first three innings and saw six pitchers hold NIU to just four hits in a 9-2 victory Tuesday night in front of 3,912 fans at Kentucky Proud Park.
Freshman pitcher Nate Harris earned his third win in as many collegiate appearances, allowing one run on two hits in a career-high 5.0 innings. Tristan Hunter, Logan Grubb, Nile Adcock, Simon Gregersen and Hayden Smith closed out the evening.
Senior catcher Devin Burkes (2-for-3, 2 R, 2 RBI, 2B, 2 BB, SB) and junior infielder Luke Lawrence (2-3, R, 2 RBI, BB, HBP) did the most damage on the offensive side, especially Burkes. The veteran is hit lasers all night and appears to be rounding into form heading into Southeastern Conference play. Senior infielder Dylan Koontz also drove in two runs as UK drew nine walks and four HBP.
The Cats now turn their attention to conference play, which begins with a trip to No. 3 Georgia this weekend. First pitch on Friday night is at 6 p.m. ET at Foley Field in Athens, Georgia.
Credit: UK Athletics
